Students' Corner

Information For Students

Profile of a Successful Online Student

Students who choose to participate in courses with Marion Virtual School need to examine their personal skills and aptitudes for taking a course online. The following attributes will greatly contribute to a student's success:

Self-Motivation – Students can direct their own learning environment and methods to fulfill course requirements and achieve individual academic success.

Independent Learner – The online environment enables students to learn at their own pace, relieving the stress of feeling rushed or pressured, and providing enjoyment in the learning process.

Computer Literate – Although it is not necessary to have advanced computer skills, students should possess a working knowledge of the Internet and electronic e-mail, as well as basic keyboarding skills.

Time Management Skills – Students must be able to organize and plan their own best time to learn. There is no one best time for everyone, but the key to learning is to make the time to learn.

Effective Written Communication Skills – Students must use e-mail and discussion forums to communicate with their peers and instructors. The ability to write clearly to communicate ideas and assignments is essential. This method provides the learner with rapid feedback as well as a means to inform instructors of any concerns or problems that may develop.

Personal Commitment – Because there are no bells that begin and end classes, students must have a strong desire to learn and achieve knowledge and skills via online courses. Learning in this manner is a personal choice which requires strong motivation and willingness to work for academic success. Overall, the staff of Marion Virtual School believes that every individual who has the motivation and self-direction to take our courses will achieve success in our “any time, any place, any path, any pace” virtual environment. Meeting the needs of our individual students is our top priority.

Is Online Learning for Me?

Online courses can provide opportunities for students to attend classes at any time from anywhere they have Internet access; however, studies show that often students are unprepared for the challenges inherent with this style of delivery. In order to help you know if you will be successful learning in an online environment, please carefully consider the questions below prior to requesting courses.

If you can answer "YES" to ALL of these questions, online distance learning may be an attractive option for your educational needs. If you decide to request a course with Marion Virtual/FLVS, use the Registration Checklist to help you with the process. If you answer "NO" to two or more, you may want to resolve or improve certain areas prior to attempting online courses. More than three "NO" answers could indicate potential difficulties in successfully completing an online course.

Technical Competencies and Access

Taking into consideration my personal, academic, work and extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, etc), will I be able to devote as much or more time to my online class as I do to my traditional studies?

Am I comfortable with using the Internet as a means of communication and research?

Do I own or have daily access to a computer with Internet access and email?

Do I know or am I willing to learn how to copy, cut, and paste text/files between programs?

Am I able to learn and apply new software applications?

Learning Styles

Am I able to prioritize tasks, organize assignments and complete assigned work within a deadline?

Am I gratified when I independently solve problems and take responsibility for what I learn?

Are my writing, reading and communication skills above average?

Do I prefer to work alone on assignments?

If you are still undecided as to whether you can be a successful online student, please visit the Florida Virtual School Quick Start video. Here you can take a quiz that will help you determine your computer abilities. This is also a good resource to use as you continue to learn how to use the learning management system when you do sign up for a course!